Hemorrhoids are varicose veins. They are frequently worsened by difficulties with digestion and sensitivities to a variety of foods and drinks (alcohol, especially in beer, can be a significant trigger). Some of the foods that frequently cause problems include milk, white flour, white sugar, corn, and anything made with them. If you read labels, you will find these in most everything. Try to eliminate them as much as possible.

Another major factor that causes hemorrhoids to flare up is a lack of pure water. Most of us do not drink enough water. You can safely drink up to half your body weight in ounces of water each day. If you do not like the taste of water, add the juice from half a fresh lemon or lime. I haven't found anyone, of any age, that did not like lemon or lime water. Make sure your water contains no chlorine or fluorine. You can purchase excellent pressed carbon, charcoal filters that fit on your faucet at most any department store like Wal-Mart, etc.

One other consideration is for you to call 800-614-4400 and ask for the name and phone number of a certified Enzyme Therapist close to you. This specialist could work with you to improve your diet and, more importantly, your digestion and even provide an enzyme formula that is very helpful for varicose veins anywhere.

Lastly, veins swell (varicose) because their walls become weakened. Vitamin C and, especially, bioflavonoids, help strengthen connective tissue like what is found in the walls of veins. Make sure you are taking adequate Vitamin C complex with Bioflavonoid complex. A good baseline would be 500 mg. with each meal and at bedtime. Check at your local health food store for an Ester C formula with bioflavonoids (capsules usually dissolve better than tablets).

Thank You for your prompt reply. I am very careful about my diet and do not drink any alcohol. I also avoid whitle flour, sugar and milk. I also have access to pure water and try to drink at least two quarts daily. However, I have been out of Vitamin C for several weeks and haven't gotten around to replentising my supply!!! Haven't had any citris lately either..... Thank you

Neither Ibuprophen nor Advil will do anything to help with the cause of hemorrhoids. There are basically two types of hemorrhoids: external and internal. They are both like varicose veins where the blood vessels develop a swelling or bulge.

Internal type hemorrhoids have 4 grades. 1 is a mild distension. 2 prolapses (bulges out) with bowel movements. 3 prolapses with bowel movements and must be pushed back in. 4 prolapses and can not be replaced. Generally grade 4 is referred for surgery. Whenever this is the case, consider the less invasive alternatives such as galvanic treatment.

To prevent hemorrhoids from occurring or increasing in grade, you need to discover what is causing them. Varicose veins develop because of pressure. If the walls of your veins cannot support increased pressure, they bulge. This weakened bulge can result in a hemorrhoid. Vitamin C and, especially, bioflavonoids help maintain and increase the strength of connective tissue such as found in the walls of blood vessels.

Problems with digestion can result in constipation and/or diarrhea. This increases pressure in your bowels. Elimination difficulties are most often caused by lack of adequate water intake, poor digestion, and food sensitivities that result in inflammatory conditions in your intestines.

As you can see hemorrhoids are simply an outward sign of your body's loss of homeostasis or balance. You need to find a health care professional who can help you find the causes for your problem and not just treat the symptoms. Call 800-614-4400 and ask for the name and number of a certified Enzyme Therapy Associate close to you.

In the meantime, make sure you are drinking lots of pure (no chlorine or fluorine) water every day. Simplify your food choices. Select lighter meats such as chicken, turkey, fresh deep ocean fish, and wild game. Eat plenty of fresh, leafy vegetables with your meals. Apples are excellent for fiber. Avoid white sugar, white flour, milk, cheese, and anything made with any of these. All of them are usually right at the top of food sensitivity lists for causing and worsening bowel problems.